AGP Executive Report

Gender-Affirming Care Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings won in federal court to protect access to gender-affirming care under the Affordable Care Act, blocking a Trump-era rule that would have stripped some care from essential health benefits. Education & Community: Colonial School District data shows Hispanic students rose to 23.3% of enrollment in 2024-25, while Lake Forest School District reports Black students at 23.8% (up to 1,022 students). Local Schools Upgrade: New Hodgson Vo-Tech High School is ready to welcome students, with a major new facility built for career and technical programs. Health & Wellness: Delaware Park’s Walk to Cure Arthritis drew 220+ walkers and raised over $32,000. Public Safety: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement ramps up ahead of Labor Day, targeting impaired driving. Food & Research: Bennett Orchards received a $53,999 grant to expand research on frost protection for Delaware crops. Culture & Learning: Hagley Museum and Library named Hillary Olson its new CEO and is planning a community-driven next strategic plan starting in 2027. Environment: DNREC adopted emergency deer hunting rules to curb chronic wasting disease spread and expand deer sampling in the affected area.

Impaired Driving Crackdown: Delaware’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement ramps up ahead of Labor Day, with officials warning impairment includes prescription meds and cannabis—not just alcohol. Trans Health Legal Win: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings says a federal court struck down a Trump rule that would have barred certain gender-affirming care from ACA essential health benefits. Local Education & Community: Nativity Preparatory School of Wilmington lands a Barclays classroom sponsorship for 10 learning spaces, and kicks off the 2026–27 year with a “Tunnel of Love” tradition built around brotherhood and belonging. Delaware Sports Honors: Delaware Valley High School announces its 2026 Hall of Fame class, with inductees serving as honorary captains at the Sept. 19 homecoming game. Culture & History on the Move: Portsmouth’s American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit brings a broader cast—women, Black soldiers, Native people, mapmakers—to Delaware-area audiences. Wildlife Watch: DNREC adopts emergency deer hunting rules to curb chronic wasting disease spread in Central Sussex County, expanding sampling and testing. Tech & Privacy: A national push targets surveillance tech as automated license plate readers and drones expand, raising civil liberties alarms.

Transgender Healthcare: The Trump administration says federal funding for gender-transition procedures for people under 18 is ending immediately, reversing a prior rule and following state bans. Delaware Oversight: Delaware’s state auditor says there’s still no centralized system to enforce the dual-employment law for officials working for both the state and the University of Delaware. Juvenile Justice: Delaware Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services Director Renee Ciconte earns a national leadership award for expanding education, sports, music, and job-skill programs for youth. Community & Faith: North New Castle lists religious gatherings and adoration times for Aug. 16–22. Education Demographics: Colonial and Seaford school districts report sizable Black student populations in 2024–25, with Colonial at 46.7% and Seaford at 35.6%. Local Development: Woodbridge School District seeks approval to build a new middle school, citing aging facilities and the need for modern learning spaces. Public Safety Tech: Delaware joins a multi-state fight against federal demands for CDL driver data, arguing it threatens privacy and serves an immigration agenda.

Local Arts & Community: Delaware Press Association Book Competition winner Joyce Wambua Osborne is turning personal pain into a memoir readers are connecting with far beyond her own story. Education & Equity: Delaware Open Data shows Colonial School District enrolled 4,824 Black students in 2024-25 (46.7%), while Seaford School District had 1,431 Black students (35.6%), underscoring how district demographics shape local school life. Higher Ed & Workforce: Delaware County Community College is touting low-cost AI and computer science pathways, linking classes to internships and faster routes into tech careers. Civic Life & Voting: A Democracy Docket update tracks whether the Supreme Court will let Trump-era mail-voting restrictions move forward for the midterms. Culture & Rights: Phabian “S-Quire” Winfield was named national spokesperson for the Creative Rights Movement, pushing creator ownership and education. Public Safety & Surveillance: Protesters across the country are targeting Flock automatic license plate readers, arguing about oversight and surveillance. Sports Culture: UFC 330 is coming to Philly’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, marking the next big step for MMA in South Philly.

Creative Rights Movement: Filmmaker/author/entrepreneur Phabian “S-Quire” Winfield was named National Spokesperson for the Creative Rights Movement, pushing creator ownership, intellectual property, and education. Delaware Accountability: Delaware’s state auditor says UD still won’t fully cooperate in a second attempt to audit dual-employment pay, leaving gaps in oversight of the state’s dual-employment law. Local Schools & Demographics: Colonial School District reported 4,824 Black students in 2024-25 (46.7% of enrollment), while Lake Forest School District showed 2,360 white students (55%)—both pulled from Delaware Open Data. Education Facilities: Woodbridge School District is seeking a Certificate of Necessity to build a new middle school, citing aging infrastructure and limits on modern instruction. Community & Hate: The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, the third attack in nearly a year. Sports & Culture: Selena Gomez is hit with a Delaware federal fraud lawsuit tied to her mental health startup Wondermind, while her lawyer calls the claims meritless and prepares to seek dismissal.

Transgender Care Policy: The Trump administration says federal funding will stop for gender-transition procedures for people under 18, effective immediately, reversing a prior rule and following bans in at least 27 states. Local Rights & Community: In Delaware, the Hideout Arcade Bar & Grille was fined $15,000 after the state Human & Civil Rights Commission found it denied a transgender woman access to the women’s restroom. Education & Growth: Woodbridge School District is seeking state approval to build a new middle school, citing aging facilities and limits on modern instruction. School Demographics: Delaware Open Data reports Lake Forest School District had 2,360 white students in 2024-25, while Delaware County’s Hispanic enrollment was 3% that year. Public Safety: The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign returns to Delaware roadways through Labor Day with added enforcement for alcohol, cannabis, and drug-impaired driving. Environment: Maryland says it hit nearly all 2025 Chesapeake Bay pollution goals, but some watermen dispute whether conditions match the numbers. Arts & Heritage: The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia was vandalized with an antisemitic inscription. Community Pride: Sussex County lifeguards won a third straight national title at the USLA championships.

LGBTQ+ Rights: Delaware’s Hideout Arcade Bar & Grille was fined $15,000 after the state Human & Civil Rights Commission found it violated antidiscrimination law by denying a transgender woman access to the women’s restroom, with the owner vowing to appeal. Voting Access: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, aiming to block voter discrimination, suppression, and dilution while expanding language assistance; it takes effect July 1, 2027. Road Safety: Delaware’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign ramps up for late summer, with State Police and local agencies targeting impaired driving tied to alcohol, cannabis, prescriptions, and other drugs. Local Life & Money: Sussex County has started issuing 2027 property tax bills for about 206,000 parcels, with paper bills mailed through August and payments due Sept. 30. Community & Culture: The Delaware Restaurant Association opened public voting for its inaugural Excellence in Service Award, spotlighting front-line hospitality workers across the state. Education: First State Educate hosted a “Board Matters” discussion on how Delaware’s new school funding model gives boards more control and accountability for results.

Trans rights & civil rights: Delaware’s Human & Civil Rights Commission fined Hideout Arcade Bar & Grille $15,000 after finding it denied a transgender woman access to the women’s bathroom, with the owner vowing to appeal. Voting access: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding protections against voter discrimination and requiring language assistance for ballots (effective July 1, 2027). Education governance: First State Educate’s “Board Matters” webcast says Delaware’s new school funding model will give boards far more control over spending—over 30% in some districts—along with tougher accountability for results. Local government: Dagsboro is seeking a new town administrator as Cynthia “Cindi” Brought plans to retire at the end of 2026. Community & culture: Sussex County lifeguards won a third straight national championship at the USLA meet. Food & health: Walmart recalled a refrigerated soup kit in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination. Sports & community: Maggie’s Mile in Lewes drew multiple youth races and an elite field in memory of Maggie Browne. Broader culture: Several states and cities proclaimed Aug. 15 “India Day,” including Delaware.

Legal Drama: Pop star Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and former partner Daniella Pierson are named in a federal fraud lawsuit filed in Delaware over the mental-health startup Wondermind, with investors claiming promised partnerships and a mobile app never materialized and the company “quietly collapsed” while they were kept in the dark. Public Health & Food Safety: Lidl US recalled a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix sold in Delaware and eight other states plus D.C. after internal testing found Salmonella in one lot; no illnesses reported. Community Care: Celebrate Wellness’s Orange Party in Bethany Beach raised a record $75,280 for mental health services for Delaware hospitality workers, topping last year’s total and supporting therapy access. Arts & Culture: The Southern Delaware Orchestra announced its 2026-27 season, including Hispanic Heritage Month programming and holiday classics, with performances across Southern Delaware and at Cape Henlopen High School. Local Business: Wilmington Mayor John Carney launched a Wilmington Economic Roundtable, chaired by New Castle County Chamber CEO Yvonne Deadwyler, to advise on business growth and investment. Education Data: Delaware Open Data reports tiny Hawaiian student enrollment in multiple districts, including 6 students in Smyrna and 16 in Brandywine during 2024-25. Civic & Rights: Delaware Attorney General Nick Brown joined lawsuits challenging a Trump administration push to obtain sensitive CDL driver records from states, arguing privacy-law violations and unlawful federal pressure.

LGBTQ+ Community in Wilmington: Delaware Queer groups are moving ahead with plans for The Collective, the state’s first dedicated LGBTQIA+ visitor center and space in nearly 40 years, with programs like a trans clothing closet, legal connections, and a Pride Market. Education & Language Access: A University of Delaware Ph.D. student is studying how reading specialists use students’ home languages as a strength for multilingual learners—aiming to shape classroom practice statewide. Youth & Family Culture: Wilmington’s Community Education Building is hosting YDC Fest (Aug. 21) to celebrate the grand opening of the Youth Development Center with free activities, arts, wellness, and back-to-school giveaways. Public Safety & Outdoors: DNREC has closed the Seaford Fishing Pier after structural problems were found, while the boat ramp and parking lot stay open. Immigration Courts Watch: New reporting shows removal orders in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware spiking to levels not seen in decades. Business/Entertainment: Nigerian music-tech firm Choplife is expanding into Africa’s Itana Digital Special Economic Zone. Food Safety: Another popular greens supplement is under investigation after salmonella concerns.

India Day Proclamations: Delaware Governor Matt Meyer joined New York and New Jersey in declaring Aug. 15, 2026 “India Day,” spotlighting the Indian-American community’s contributions and the enduring ties between Delaware and India. Local Arts & Community: Albany’s Scene One Spectrum Theatre will host a screening and Q&A of the documentary “Sabbath Queen” on Aug. 27, exploring Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s queer, faith-bending journey. Delaware Health & Workforce: The Delaware Department of Labor launched the Workforce Pell Program, expanding Pell Grants for short-term training tied to in-demand jobs. Sports for a Cause: The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition announced the 17th annual Monster Mile Walk for a Cause & 5K at Dover Motor Speedway on Oct. 11. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: Freeman Arts Pavilion’s renovated venue welcomed thousands during opening week, kicking off the 2026 season with renewed arts access. Sports Calendar: NASCAR returns to Dover’s “Monster Mile” with a points Cup Series race slated for May 16, 2027.

Delaware Sports & Community Health: Newark Charter School teamed with the University of Delaware athletic training program for free student sports physicals, aiming to remove barriers and connect families to care. Local Motorsports: NASCAR returns to Dover Motor Speedway with a points-paying Cup Series race on Sunday, May 16, 2027, plus the BetRivers 200 on May 15. Arts & Culture: Mural Arts Philadelphia named Emily Mello its new executive director, bringing a long track record in education, youth work, and restorative justice. Food & Drink: Wilmington Brew Works’ “Das Lagerfeuer” cocktail is spotlighted as a local-first, smoked-to-order bourbon-and-lager creation. Money & Retirement: PensionBee research warns “zero-fee” IRAs can still cost savers up to about $1,400 a year through hidden charges. Education Watch: Delaware teachers still average about $51,627 starting pay—short of the $60,000 goal—based on district-reported scales. Environment & Safety: A national asbestos-in-schools analysis finds enforcement gaps vary widely, with Delaware among states reporting zero violations. Powerball Buzz: The jackpot keeps rolling, now estimated near $975 million for Wednesday’s drawing.

Delaware Arts & Culture: The Delaware Division of the Arts handed out more than $5 million in new grants, with a push for wider access and more hands-on participation in the arts. Local Arts Spotlight: Delaware State University and the Biggs Museum of American Art are teaming up at the historic Schwartz Center in Dover for a monthly series of music, dance, film, comedy, and lectures through March 2027. Community & Inclusion: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, strengthening state-level protections after federal voting rights rollbacks. Health Care Workforce: Meyer also signed bills to modernize pharmacy and dental hygienist practice and study a healthcare apprenticeship degree program—aimed at expanding access, especially in rural areas. Education Watch: Delaware’s teachers are still short of the $60,000 starting salary goal, averaging about $51,627 for new teachers. Civil Rights: A Rehoboth Beach bar was fined $17,000 after the state found it denied a transgender patron access to the women’s restroom. Public Accountability: A Delaware audit found gaps in the state’s oversight of dual public employment, limiting its ability to spot overlapping taxpayer-funded work.

Delaware Voting Rights: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, expanding state protections as Washington retreats, with ceremonies at Shiloh Baptist Church. Health Care Workforce: Meyer also signed bills to modernize pharmacy and dental hygienist practice and study a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program to grow rural care pipelines. Community & Culture: Bethany Beach marks its 125th anniversary with Founders Day Weekend (Sept. 4–7) and free Bandstand concerts celebrating different eras of American music. Native Culture: Hudson Fields in Milton hosts the Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s 48th Annual Powwow Sept. 12–13, with grand entry, vendors, and family activities. Outdoor Life: DNREC will close the Griffith Lake boat ramp in Milford starting Aug. 17 through the end of 2027 for spillway reconstruction, with nearby ramps suggested. Workforce Training: Delaware’s Department of Labor opened its Workforce Pell application process, aiming to certify short-term programs for high-demand jobs. Local Business/Tech: Rippling sued AI security startup Runlayer in Delaware over alleged patent infringement, escalating a fast-moving AI workplace fight. Sports: Peabody’s girls soccer looks to rebound under new coach Katrina Silva, focused on rebuilding culture and scoring. Science & Weather: UD researchers are testing shark-mounted sensors to improve hurricane predictions. Education Access: DU’s internship stipend program highlights how paid support can keep unpaid internships within reach. Food Safety: After the Cyclospora outbreak, local Black farms are seeing more support as people seek trusted sources. Powerball: The jackpot keeps rolling, now nearing $1 billion after no one matched all six numbers.

Delaware Voting Rights: Delaware lawmakers passed a state Voting Rights Act to protect voters from race-based election discrimination, stepping in after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted key federal protections. Trans Rights in Delaware: A Delaware bar was fined again after denying a transgender woman access to the women’s restroom and later banning her. Lower Eastern Shore Mental Health: Maryland and Delaware attorneys general joined a lawsuit to block U.S. Education Department cuts to school-based mental health programs. Drug Pricing Accountability: Delaware Attorney General Ford announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Community & Culture: Wilmington’s Delaware Theatre Company hosts The Rock Orchestra’s “All Together Now,” a six-night Beatles journey through all 217 songs. Public Health Watch: Salmonella outbreaks linked to eggs, jalapeños, and even pets have sickened hundreds nationwide. Local Life: Sussex County property tax bills for FY2027 are on the way, with payments due Sept. 30.

Education Leadership: Aspira Delaware named Dr. René Diaz founding head of school for the new Las Américas Aspira Academy in Georgetown, a tuition-free dual-language charter opening in September 2027. Workplace Safety: Beebe Healthcare in Sussex County is rolling out Canopy’s wearable safety tech, starting with about 1,500 frontline staff and expanding across its campuses. Community Health & Fundraising: The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition brings back the Monster Mile Walk for a Cause to Dover Motor Speedway Oct. 11, adding a new timed 5K. Parks & Outdoors: DNREC is asking Delawareans to weigh in on the 2027-2031 state parks plan, with an online survey open through Aug. 16. Local History & Culture: Oak Orchard’s 1940s boardwalk is revisited in a Cape Gazette look back, tying Delaware’s coastal past to today’s creative energy. Sports & Local Pride: Delaware State University will face Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field Oct. 31, 2026, in a rematch headlined by former Eagles coaches DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. Science & Weather: University of Delaware researchers are testing shark-borne sensors to improve hurricane forecasting by tracking ocean conditions. Civic Rights: Delaware’s voting rights legislation banning race-based discrimination in elections is highlighted alongside broader civil rights voting protections.